During one of their walks in the forest to gather herbs, Don Eligio Panti showed Dr. Rosita
all the medicinal plants that were growing along the path. That path has been preserved, and
it has become one of the major attractions for tourists who visit the Cayo District.

Visitors to the Ix Chel Tropical Research Center can walk along the trail, which has
signs in front of each medicinal tree and plant describing its history and uses. Near the end of
the walk, visitors can view a recreation of Don Panti's home. A fee of $5 US is charged for a
self guided walk. A guided walk and presentation costs $30, or $50 if given by Dr. Rosita herself.

Terra Nova Medicinal Plant Reserve

In 1993, the Government of Belize established the world's first medicinal plant reserve. This 6,000
acre reserve, dedicated to the preservation of potential lifesaving herbs, is called the Terra Nova
Medicinal Plant Reserve. Seedling plants "rescued" from rain forest areas in danger of destruction
from development are sent to Terra Nova for transplanting. The reserve is run by the Belize Association
of Traditional Healers.

Ix Chel Farms and the Panti Trail is right next door to
Chaa Creek. Many tourists get there and back
by canoeing along the river. Most Cayo resorts and hotels can arrange a canoe rental and will arrange
to pick you up when you dock.

Bush Medicine of BelizeCentral America and the Caribbean

Before modern medicine developed laboratory drugs, our ancestors all over the world used
herbs and weeds for health. In many parts of the world today, they are the only treatment
available and sometimes work better than manufactured drugs. Many plants exhibit the
"Doctrine of Signatures" which is a concept that there is some physical characteristic
about a plant that signals what it could be used for on the physical body.

One great example of this concept is the red peeling bark of the Gumbo-Limbo tree. Also
called the "Sunburned Tourist Tree" parts of this tree are used to effectively treat poison
wood exposure, sunburn, insect bites and most any other skin related problem.

In developed countries many store-bought medicines originate from "Nature's Pharmacy." When
you use aloe Vera gel for sunburn, you are benefiting from bush medicine. The active
ingredient in aspirin comes from willow bark, a Native American healing plant. Over 25% of
the worlds commercial medicines come from plant based chemicals found in the tropical
regions. Below are just some of the Natural Remedies found in Belize.

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended
to be an endorsement of any of the remedies mentioned. Be very careful using any "Bush
Medicine".

Aloe

Native to Africa, aloe vera is commonly cultivated elsewhere. The clear gel found inside
the plant's leaf and the crystalline part found alongside the leaf blade, which contains
aloin, are both used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

The clear gel is a remarkably effective healer of wounds and burns, speeding up the rate of
healing and reducing the risk of infection. The brownish part containing aloin is a strong
laxative, useful for short-term constipation. Aloe is present in many cosmetic's formulae
because its emollient and scar preventing properties.

Research Results: Aloe Vera juice and extracts have been found effective for a variety of conditions.
These include wound healing acceleration in humans, antiviral activities for herpes simplex 1 & 2, treatment of water
burns and anesthetic activity for treatment of insect stings in humans.

Annato (Bixa orellana L.)

This pink flowering shrub is cultivated for the red/orange dye that comes from it's dried seeds.
The seeds are used in cooking to color food such as rice, margarine and soup. They were used by the Caribs and Central
American Indians for body paint and insect repellant. Ants that feed off the nectar at the flower base and on the
main stem help to protect the plant from harmful creatures. It is used in industrialized nations as a food coloring
replacement for red dye #2, which was determined to be a carcinogenic.

Water in which young leaves have been crushed and then strained, has been taken for diarrhea and dysentery.

Research Results: An ethyl alcohol extract of dried Annatto fruit was shown to have in vitro
activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and an ethyl alcohol extract of dried leaves
showed the same. Annatto leaves containe favonoids and the seeds contain carotenoids.

Arrowroot

Arrowroot is native to South America and the Caribbean. The local people use
its root as a poultice for smallpox sores, and as an infusion for urinary infections.
Arrowroot is used as a soothing demulcent and a nutrient of benefit in convalescence
and for easing digestion. It helps to relieve acidity, indigestion and colic, and is mildly
laxative. It may be applied as an ointment or poultice mixed with some other antiseptic
herbs such as comfrey.

Bay Geranium (Ambrosia Hispida)

Can be made into soap and used to relieve itching skin. Recommended for indigestion and
cleaning of the lungs and mainly used to cure the common cold in the form of a strong tea
with lime and salt.

Billy Webb (Acosmium panamensis)

The hard, durable wood of this tree is used in heavy construction, and to make such household items as
washing tubs, breadboards and mortar sticks.

The bitter-tasting bark is used as a remedy for coughs and fever. It is the main ingredient in "Sweet Blood",
one of the Rain forest Remedies bottled by
Ix Chel Farms, which is good for diabetes, dry cough and low appetite.

Blue Flowers (Valerianoides Jamaicensis)

Blue Flowers are used to soothe babies with colic, gas and constipation. Also used to
cool the blood and soothe skin irritations in children.

Breadfruit (Artocarpus Altilis)

Breadfruit leaves are used for high blood pressure. The leaves slightly crushed, are
also bound on the head and forehead as a cure for headache.

Calabash Tree

It is said that the fruit of the Calabash Tree when roasted is a good treatment for
menstrual cramps or to induced childbirth and that the leaf can be used in tea to treat
colds, diarrhea, dysentery and headaches.

Research Results: The seed has been effective as an abortive and the fruit pulp to force menses, birth and
afterbirth. It is best not to use this plant while pregnant. Consejo.bz recommends against the internal use of the pulp
based on toxicity (Robineau 1991)

Candle Bush (Senna alata)

This is a flowering shrub, producing towers of yellow flowers and can be found in yards and disturbed forests. Its Belizean name
"Piss A Bed" is derived from its use as a traditional remedy to help urinary tract conditions. Throughout the day, one should sip on
three cups of tea made from boiling and steeping the flowers. Drinking a leaf tea can help kidney ailments and liver congestion.
Fresh juice from the leaves should be applied to skin diseases such as scabies and ringworm. In Guatemala, its common name is
"Ringworm shrub".

Cascarilla (Croton Eluteria)

Cascarilla has a very long history of traditional herbal medicine use worldwide. It has
long been used as a digestive aid, to stimulate digestion and digestive juices, for nausea
and vomiting, and as a general bitter digestive tonic. The bark is prepared as a decoction
and utilized for all types of digestive complaints, feverish conditions, anemia,
hemorrhoids and high blood pressure. It is also recommended for diarrhea, dysentery,
dyspepsia, intermittent and low fevers, intestinal bloating and gas, colic, nausea, an
overall tonic during convalescence, and as an expectorant for chronic bronchitis.

Catnip

Cats will rub and sometime ingest the plant, and then act "drunk" or "wild" for up to an
hour or more. No lasting toxicity is reported. Humans also have their moods uplifted and it
is supposed to improve mental clarity and alertness. Aids in pain reduction.

Cat's Claw - Uña de Gato (Uncaria tomentosa and U. guianensis)

Cat's Claw, also called Uña de Gato, is a thorny liana vine reputed to be a remarkably powerful
immune system booster and effective in treating a wide array of maladies. It has been proven to have anti-tumor,
anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties. It has proven useful in treating arthritis, bursitis,
allergies and numerous bowel and intestinal disorders. There is some evidence that indicates effectiveness in relieving
side effects of chemotherapy.

Cerasee

A tea made of the vine is used for diabetes, hypertension, worms, dysentery, malaria and as
a general tonic and blood purifier. It is also very effective to relieve constipation and
colds and fevers in children.

Women in Latin American use the leaf for menstrual problems to promote discharge after
childbirth. The tea is taken for 9 days after giving birth to clean out and tone up all the
organs involved in the delivery. Cerasee is also used as a natural method of birth control,
by taking two cups each day after intercourse, for three days. It is said that women who
drink Cerasee daily will not conceive during that time.

As a wash, the tea is used externally for sores, rashes, skin ulcers and all skin problems.
A Cerasee bath is good for arthritis, rheumatism, gout and other similar ailments.

Cockspur (Acacia cornigera)

Sometimes called the Bullhorn or Cow Thorn, this plant has a symbiotic relationship with an aggressive and painful species of ant (Pseudomyrmex
ferruginea). The ants live in its thorns and protect the tree from encroaching plants, trying to grow near its trunk or leaves high in the
canopy. The ants also emerge from the thorns to attack other insects, humans and animals that come in contact with the tree.

The Pseudomyrmex ferruginea ants have been used as a bush medicine for relief of mucous congestion in infants which are given water containing
the ants (once they've been squeezed and strained). Snake doctors use the Cockspur bark and root to slow down snake venom
from entering the bloodstream. Acne and other skin conditions can be treated by bathing in water in which the thorns have been
boiled.

Copal (Protium copal)

This was a sacred tree of the ancient Maya who used the resin as a ceremonial incense, as well as to ward off evil
spirits and the evil eye (it is believed that people can harm others by their envious glances).

The resin was once widely used to treat tooth cavities. They would stuff it into the cavity and several days later, the tooth broke and was removed.
Bush Doctors will make a powder made from the bark to be applied to wounds, sores and infections. The bark is also used in a tea (taken
before each meal), to treat intestinal parasites.

Ginger Root

For over two thousand years Chinese Medicine has recommended ginger to treat a
number of health problems. The influx of Chinese immigrants to Belize has resulted in the addition
of Ginger Root as a bush remedy to combat all forms of nausea and vomiting, including appetite loss,
indigestion and motion sickness. Comparisons between ginger and prescription
or non-prescription drugs for motion sickness relief have been conducted,
and similar effectiveness was seen between ginger and drugs. It is also taken to
relieve toothache pain, loosen phlegm, to relieve gas, sore throats,
headaches, ulcerative colitis, some types of menstrual pain, arthritis pain,
as well as fevers and aches caused by colds and flu.

There are a lot of different varieties of ginger. For a more detailed description of the various plants visit
Nature Products Network's great website.

Goat Pepper (Capsicum)

Used internally as a powerful stimulant, being considered beneficial in exciting the
appetite, also used externally as a counter-irritant. A leaf is slightly crushed and placed
on a boil to "draw" it to a head.

Gumbo Limbo (Kamalamee)

While exploring the Belize, you may see a large tree with red shaggy bark that peels off in
paper-thin strips. That's the Gumbo-limbo tree, and its bark is a common topical remedy.
Strips of bark are boiled in water and then used topically for skin sores, measles,
sunburn, insect bites, and rashes or drunk as tea to treat backaches, urinary tract
infections, colds, flu, and fevers. Young leaves rubbed on skin exposed to poison wood can
prevent reaction and will sooth itching and speed recovery.

The tree is a member of the same botanical species as frankincense and myrrh, both
representatives of the worlds oldest medicines. It is also the source of that very, very
soft and light wood used for making toy airplanes and boats. In that form it is called
balsa wood.

Note: This tree is also known as the Gamalamee, or Kamalamee tree. It is also called the
Sunburned Tourists Tree. Tourists get burned and peel, much like the red peeling bark on
this tree. And this tree provides a cure!

Hurricane Weed (phyllanthus amarus)

Called both Gale of Wind Weed and Hurricane Weed, the botanical name for this small annual
herb is phyllanthus amarus. It is also called the "stone breaker plant" because it has been
used for generations to eliminate gallstones or kidney stones. This plant is used for
poor appetite, constipation, typhoid fever, flu, and colds. It’s a popular herbal treatment
because it has no side effects or toxicity. Phyllanthus amarus has been the
focus of a great deal of research in recent years because its antiviral qualities may even
be useful in treating hepatitis and the HIV virus.

Jackass Bitters (Neurolaena lobata)

Jackass Bitters is a well-respected plant that has been used widely in traditional Central American medicine.
It has yellow flowers and bitter-tasting leaves which contain a potent anti-parasitic agent (sesquiterpene dialdehyde)
that is active against amoebas, candida, giardia and intestinal parasites. Traditionally, the herb is taken internally
as a tea or a wine or used topically to bath wounds and infections, or as a hair wash to get rid of lice.

Jumbie Plant (wild tamarind)

The Jumbie Plant is used mostly to nourish cattle, but is good for human ailments, too. As
with most bush medicine, you boil the leaves from the plant and brew into a tea. If you've
had a stressful day, a cup or two of the brew will calm you down. If, on the other hand,
you're suffering from flatulence, the tea is said to have a calming effect on your stomach.
Some folks drink the tea to strengthen their hearts.

Lignum Vitae (guiacum officinale)

One of the most versatile native trees is the Lignum Vitae, tree of life, or as many old
folk call it "Nigly Whitey"). Its glossy leaves are a rich green, and its abundant flowers
range in color from purple to blue. Virtually all parts of the tree are valuable,
particularly its heavy, dense wood that was once used commercially in construction, until
the tree became scarce. Its resin, called guaiacum, is obtained from the wood by
distillation and is used to treat weakness and strengthen your back.

Limon Grass

Native from Sri Lanka and South India, lemon grass is now widely cultivated in the tropical
areas of America and Asia. Its oil is used as a culinary flavoring, a scent and medicine.
Lemon Grass is principally taken as a tea to remedy digestive problems diarrhea and stomach
ache. It relaxes the muscles of the stomach and gut, relieves cramping pains and flatulence
and is particularly suitable for children. In the Caribbean, lemon grass is primarily
regarded as a fever-reducing herb. It is applied externally as a poultice or as diluted
essential oil to ease pain and arthritis.

Love Vine

If it is an aphrodisiac you are looking for, then the Love Vine could be the plant
for you. Apparently this vine can be found not-so-lovingly attached to other plants, which
it eventually kills. As with most of the local remedies, the vine leaves are made into a
tea.

Mimosa (Mimosa pudica)

This small ground herb has many common names. It is known in Belize as the Sensitive Plant, Humble Plant, or Sleeping Grass.
It closes up and droops down when touched, which indicates one of its properties - to induce sleep. Traditionally, leaves have
been placed under one's pillow for treatment of insomnia. A tea made from its leaves and branches is used as a relaxant, pain reliever
and to induce sleep. The leaves can also be applied, once mashed, to aching teeth.

Periwinkle

The Periwinkle plant has historically been used throughout the Caribbean to treat a wide
assortment of diseases. It was used as a folk remedy for diabetes in the area for
centuries. Juice from the leaves is used to treat wasp stings and other insect bites. The
plant can be boiled to make a poultice to stop bleeding. It has been used as an astringent,
diuretic and cough remedy. In Central and South America, it is used as a homemade cold
remedy to ease lung congestion and inflammation and sore throats., an extract from the
flowers is used to make a solution to treat eye irritation and infections.

If you've had a hard day at work and have aching limbs, the bruised, boiled leaves of the
Periwinkle can be applied, giving much sought-after relief.

Research Results: This is an extremely well steadied plant. It is the source of two
potent cancer-fighting alkaloids, Vincristine and Vinblastine. The plant contains alkaloids
that ore now crucial in the battle against Hodgkin's disease and childhood leukemia. 72 alkaloids have
been isolated form Periwinkle. Interestingly, its effectiveness in the treatment of diabetes, its most
common bushmedicinal use, has not been verified.

Picao Preto

Picao Preto, a small annual herb with prickly leaves and yellow flowers, is considered a
weed in many places. But in the Islands, it has a long history of producing herbal
curatives, and virtually all parts of the plant are used. The people of Exuma grind the
sun-dried leaves with olive oil to make poultices for sores and lacerations. Leaves are
balled up and applied to toothaches, or plastered to the head to soothe a headache.

Provision Tree (Pachira aquatica)

Also known as Malabar Chestnut, Guiana Chestnut and Saba Nut. this tree is sold commercially in the USA under the name Money Tree.
It produces large, colorful flowers and fruits. The fruit can weigh up to six lbs, and be a foot in diameter. The seeds can be
roasted and eaten.

Provision Tree bark is highly regarded as a blood tonic. A tea made by boiling its bark is used to help anemia,
low blood pressure, fatigue and to generally build strength.

Pound-Cake Bush (Parthenium Hysterophorus)

Used to combat "weakness" and is also used for coughs and as a wash for skin sores. The
flowers are sometimes "parched" and sprinkled on skin sores. It is also made into a tea for
diabetes.

Sarsaparilla

Brought from the New World to Spain in 1563, sarsaparilla was heralded as a cure for
syphilis. In Belize, the herb has traditionally been used to treat a variety of skin
problems.

Sarsaparilla is anti- inflammatory and cleansing, and can bring relief to skin problems
such as eczema, psoriasis and general itchiness, and help treat rheumatism, rheumatoid,
arthritis and gout. Sarsaparilla also has a progesterogenic action, making it beneficial in
pre-menstrual problems, and menopausal conditions such as debility and depression. In
Mexico the root is still frequently consumed for its reputed tonic and aphrodisiac
properties. Native Amazonian peoples take sarsaparilla to improve virility and to treat
menopausal problems..

Seagrape

Sea Grapes are said to be especially good if you have an upset stomach. Children used to
eat them as a sweet treat, but now the most of the local children prefer candy.

Shepherd's Needle (Bidens Pilosa)

Foliage and flowers are steeped and used for prickly heat, "cooling the blood" and to
relieve "sick stomach" and given every day for nine days for worms in children.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

In the Bahamas we called this plant "Mother-In-Law's Tongue" because once it gets started, you can't get
rid if it! The color pattern on this stemless
plant resembles the skin of a snake. Following the "Doctrine of Signatures" this also indicates one of its uses in bush medicine: For snakebite!
Rashes and skin sores can be helped by bathing them with water in which the leaves have been boiled. Some people place
leaf juice in water for chickens, which helps prevent diseases. (If you get bitten by a
Dangerous Snake in Belize, don't rely on Bush Medicine,
get to a clinic immediately!)

Soursop / Guyabano (Annona muricata Linnaeus)

To reduce fever, a tea made from Soursop leaves can be taken internally. Leaves added to bathing water has
the same effect. The crushed fresh leaves
can be applied on skin eruptions to promote healing. A poultice of young Soursop leaves is applied on the
skin to alleviate rheumatism and other skin infections like eczema. The tea has also been used as a wet
compress on swollen feet and other inflammations. The juice of the fruit can be taken orally as a remedy for urethritis,
haematuria and liver ailments.

Other uses: A thick tea can be used to kill bedbugs and head lice. Mixing pulverizing Soursop seeds with soap &
water is an effective spray against caterpillars, armyworms and leafhoppers on plants.

St. John's Wort (Hypericum sp.)

There are several species of this flowering shrub found throughout the world in warm temperate to tropical climates.
Our Belizean St. John's Wort is common in the savanna areas and easy to find at The Belize Zoo. It can grow on dry,
disturbed soil, and benefits from fire ecology, growing quickly and robust after savanna fires.

Scientific research has found that certain species of St. John's Wort were an effective antidepressant in the treatment
of mild and moderate depression.

Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)

Wild yam has been used for menstrual cramps and discomfort, rheumatoid arthritis, stomach cramps
and pain from gallstones. ailments.

Women in Mexico, for ages, ate the tuber of the Wild Yam as a birth control method. Scientific research has found that the
tuber of Dioscorea does contain steroids. These same steroids were then synthetically developed and are used in
the manufacturing of birth control pills.